Assistive Technology

As part of the Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network, the HDI Center for Assistive Technology (CATS) provides a lending library of assistive devices, training around assistive technology, and demonstration of devices.

What is IDEA? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that provides services for children whose disability negatively affects their educational performance and/or ability to benefit from the general education. For school-aged children and youth (age 3 to 21), supplemental education and related services are provided through the public school system. A written Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required with specific content about services to be provided. If the child is in school, IDEA specifies that assistive technology is any “item, piece of equipment of product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” Assistive technology devices and services are to be made “available to a child with a disability if required as part of the child’s special education, related services, or supplemental aids and services.”

The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) is a program that provides low interest loans to Kentuckians with disabilities for assistive technology to improve their independence or quality of life. The KATLC Board of Directors manages the loan program. Loans amounts range from $500 – $25,000. The loan program is operated jointly with Fifth Third Bank, Inc.

The Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network has a coordinating center in Louisville and five regional Assistive Technology (AT) Resource Centers which provide device demonstrations and short-term loan of AT devices. Call the Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network for information on local providers in your area.

Kentucky AgrAbility it a project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that serves rural Kentuckians with disabilities. AgrAbility provides education and expertise around assistive technology in agriculture. The project helps farmers, farm workers, agricultural businesses and families with disabilities statewide. Kentucky AgrAbility will provide on-site ideas for modifying tools, equipment, or practices. Recommendations can also be made to help make farm buildings and homes more accessible. In Kentucky, AgrAbility also helps farmers with disabilities network to share their ideas and provide peer suppor

Project CARAT enables underserved individuals with disabilities throughout Kentucky by collecting, refurbishing and redistributing assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) through a collaborative network of partners.